Conan The Politician Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I'm looking to pick up a violin as a new instrument to play. However, after reading through various websites, there seems to be a lot of jargon and specifications for violins in comparison to wind instruments. Simply put, I want to know what I should consider picking up. I've never picked up a string instrument before. However, I have 8 years experience in wind instruments, particularly brass. If age is ever a factor in learning a new instrument, then I'm 22. Also, is there any difference to playing as a left-hander as opposed to a right-hander? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkwing Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Viola FTW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lady zelda Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 It wouldn't hurt to just pick it up and try! (Though the cost of full-size violins can be a bit hefty...) And you have a lot open to you with a violin, like how you can play in a jazz band or orchestra for brass instruments, you can join an orchestra with a violin as well as play the fiddle. Well, if you are willing, you don't know until you see for yourself! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Yeah, if you want to learn the violin, it'd be a good idea to be dedicated, since violins do cost a lot. Heck, the one I used to use when I was a kid was $700+, and I think that's supposed to be considered cheap. I can't really help ya though . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkwing Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Viola is much better than the Violin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekm Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 "Turn it around like this and celloooo, you've got a bass." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tekcoh_top Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 heh viola. I concur. After 7 years of playing it, I personally prefer its sound over the violin's. Sure, people might crack jokes at you for being a violist (since most violists suck), but if you enjoy it, then who cares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishy Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 My girlfriend violinist tells me that you're encouraged to play violin always in the right handed stance, simply for the reason that when you play in an orchestra, a left handed violinist would ruin the layout as they would poke people in the eye etc. The things are simetrical though (i think) and i suppose theres nothing stopping you from stringing it backwards like a classical guitar, however i think whoevers teaching you would dissaprove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Argle Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 If age is ever a factor in learning a new instrument, then I'm 22. Yeah, yer gonna have a harder time at it than a kid would. It's a pretty difficult instrument. But don't let that discourage you if you're serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDRage Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 If age is ever a factor in learning a new instrument, then I'm 22. Yeah, yer gonna have a harder time at it than a kid would. It's a pretty difficult instrument. But don't let that discourage you if you're serious. It's considered by some the most difficult instrument to master and when beginning, it takes time to be able to play even the simplest of things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadpickle the exalted Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Play the cello. Cellists >>>> Violinists, and besides, the tone is richer and the timbre is more pleasing. Plus there are Violinists crawling out of the fucking woodwork. It's like guitar and bass players. It is NOT HARD to find one. Check under the cushions in your couch, there's probably one just LURKING there. Cellists are not nearly as prolific. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishy Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I have to agree there, a cello in it's low voice is to die for. A lot more versatile then a violin aswell i think because of its range. Also, if it werent for the cello, Jack Black wouldnt say that hilarious line in rock school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazardous Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 I know a kid who plays violin and it cost him $16,000... ...and the bow cost $1,500... Not a cheap instrument... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xelebes Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 heh viola. I concur. After 7 years of playing it, I personally prefer its sound over the violin's. Sure, people might crack jokes at you for being a violist (since most violists suck), but if you enjoy it, then who cares. Violist Revolution! >.> Yeah, I haven't touched a viola in 12 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.M.P. Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Play the cello. Cellists >>>> Violinists, and besides, the tone is richer and the timbre is more pleasing.Plus there are Violinists crawling out of the fucking woodwork. It's like guitar and bass players. It is NOT HARD to find one. Check under the cushions in your couch, there's probably one just LURKING there. Cellists are not nearly as prolific. Not hard to find one. But very hard to find a good one. Competition breeds higher standards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan The Politician Posted May 25, 2006 Author Share Posted May 25, 2006 Viola(s?) and cellos, eh? Well, I've always preferred a darker, fuller sound in string instruments. However,I suppose I just want to get my hands on some string instrument where lessons can be easily found. Something tells me that a viola or cello expert would be harder to find than a violin expert. As one of you have said, I could find one underneath my couch, right? *Begins diving* As for the price of violins, I'm sure the REALLY nice ones will always be thousands of dollars, but I've found several models around 250-300 dollars. They may be horrid in quality, but I'm sure that they will at least be lesson-worthy. Thanks for the input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumUltimA Posted May 25, 2006 Share Posted May 25, 2006 There is more violin rep out there, but that's not to say that repitoire for viola and cello doesn't exist. I guess I do prefer viola to violin (probably because my mommy's a violist ), but it can be hard to play viola with a good sound. And I think, the bigger the string instrument, the bigger the price tag. Being left handed... don't switch your hands around because of this. Keep the left hand on the fingerboard and the right hand with the bow. Having a more dexterous left hand may actually put you at an advantage for intonation, but you'll probably have to work a little harder to get a good sound. I think. I also hear that it's good to start on violin before viola, so what the hell. My vote is for violin for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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